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Comment by Ferrous on August 21, 2009 at 11:18pm

I may not have worked my way through the horse industry (yet), but I have worked my way *to* the horse industry. Like many horse-crazy girls, I took advantage of any opportunity that I could find to be around horses. We did have farm ponies (working ponies that I often rode, usually without tack), including one that was 'mine'. As much as I loved the ponies, I really wanted to ride a 'fancy horse' (or what was one in my 9 year old mind). I pestered any riding school within bicycling distance for the chance to do barn chores in exchange for riding (mostly just riding lesson-horses on my own, but occasionally I did get lessons).

I planned on becoming an equine veterinarian, and so moved to 'the city' to start university. Horses were put on the backburner while I focused on my studies. When I was nearing the time to apply to vet school, I met with an admissions person who stated that my chances of getting into vet school were very slim, as I was allergic (very allergic) to cats. Dreams squashed.

In retrospect it was probably for the best, as I am better with animals than people, but an integral part of being a good vet is being as good with the human owners are you are with your equine patients.

I continued to study biology, and I put aside any plans to seriously work with horses, as my work became more theoretical in nature. Horses became a hobby, and as a student looking to reduce costs, I once again found chances to exchange barn chores for riding lessons.

Life went on, my studies continued, non-horsey jobs were taken, and riding lessons were squeezed in as my tight schedule allowed.

Then I was in a serious accident. I've spent the past year doing a lot of thinking while I healed. It's interesting how much clarity you gain when adversity strikes. During the time when I could barely move, let alone do any of my regular activities, I started to think about the things that I missed the most... the main things that I would do if I could do anything that I wanted. Having counsellors and doctors ask you those sorts of questions also makes you dig deep.

I realised that what I missed the most was horses... what I feared greatly was never being able to get back to horses... what I yearned for was to spend time with horses. I read longingly about horse shows, clinics and fairs that I couldn't attend. It seemed that every book and magazine that I enjoyed was about horses, and every website that I was drawn to was horse related, and every stuffed toy that I got from the hospital gift shop was a horse.

... and so I did some research, after all, I had the time!

I looked into equine related graduate studies (hmm, more opportunities than I imagined), and I thought up graduate school projects that would interest me. I found opportunities to work with horses that involved actually working with horses, rather than just doing barn chores. I am still limited to riding at a walk and wee bit of trot at the moment, and I can't lift much yet... but I am loving every minute with horses, and they are helping me to heal and get stronger.

I also finally got a "fancy horse" of my very own!!! :)

I don't know exactly what path lies ahead, but I now have no doubt that the rest of my studies, my career, and my future will involve horses. I have come full circle, and the horses have welcomed me home! As I so often said as a wee girl wandering after scruffy ponies... thanks horsies!

Comment by Sarah at HorseJobs.ca on August 21, 2009 at 3:41pm

Thanks for your comment - it just goes to show that perseverence does pay off. Working with (and owning) horses requires dedication. Good for you for following your dreams!

Comment by sm ammar on August 20, 2009 at 2:26pm

no one belive when but still it is true when i was 10 /12 years i just crazy about ride but then i was from middle class family cant aford that for any school for riding ,iuse to dirive cycle for 12 km only to see horses ,every earternate day ,and one day my dream came true when i make a friend who was jokey and he then allowed me sit on horses when the trainer or owner was out ,only for that i have to dirve the cycle for 20 km